REAL ID
What Is It?
The REAL ID Act of 2005 was signed into law on May 11, 2005 as an attachment to the “Emergency Supplemental Appropriation for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005.” According to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) website, the REAL ID Act is “a nationwide effort […]
Yesterday, we shared background information on the forthcoming largest change in cross-border travel to-date. Today we will focus on some of the concerns that have arisen in anticipation of WHTI being implemented at land ports-of-entry. The BTA has supported WHTI as a means to improve security and the efficiency of cross-border travel. […]
Border Trade Alliance (BTA) has reported on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) several times this past year because of the imminent deadlines set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For many, WHTI has been a cause of great concern and confusion. What is it about this travel initiative that makes […]
The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) today expressed its disappointment in the passage of Senate Amendment 2797 to H.R. 3074, the FY2008 Appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and related agencies. The amendment, proposed by Senator Byron L. Dorgan (D-ND), prohibits the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from continuing a […]
The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) today voiced its opposition to Senate Amendment 2797 to H.R. 3074, the FY2008 Appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and related agencies. The amendment, proposed by Senator Byron L. Dorgan, would prohibit the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from continuing a pilot program to […]
On Monday August 27, 2007, the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) submitted comments in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) at land and sea ports-of-entry. The BTA has long supported secure travel programs put forward by the federal government. However through its comments […]
We’ve all watched reports on the nightly news about immigration debates, new passport requirements, long wait times through airport security, and construction of a border fence… Since 9/11, we’ve understandingly been extra vigilant on issues relating to homeland security efforts. But have we really made progress with all the new initiatives we hear about… […]
Pending the completion of floor action on several pending measures, the House and Senate are expected to adjourn until September 4th. The Senate is considering a series of Pro Forma sessions during the August recess to prevent any recess appointments from being made by President Bush. However, this effort led by Senate Democrats may […]
Also this week, Maria Luisa, Import-Export Committee Chair Dan Garcia, and Kay Olive, Chair of the Border Technologies Committee met with Todd Owen, Executive Director of Cargo and Security Conveyance for Customs and Border Protection, to discuss the Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and cargo security standards. The BTA also shared […]
Last week, BTA Board Member and Import-Export Committee co-chair Kirk Lanz gave a presentation to San Diego State’s Graduate Program in Homeland Security. The presentation provided the graduate students an overview of the BTA and the role it plays in facilitating the secure movement of people and goods at our borders. A special thank […]
